Join in on a conversation about mental health at Commonplace Coffee at Mexican War Streets, dance away the cold weather at House of Savvy’s New Reggae Night and celebrate George Martin’s 91st Birthday at the Allegheny Elks Lodge #339.

Photo by Ashlee Green

Thursday, Jan. 31

Mental Health Cafe at Commonplace Coffee at Mexican War Streets

Mental Health Cafe is a monthly community conversation on mental health, mental illness, and madness over coffee and treats. The event will focus on informal discussions and friendly peer support / mutual aid in a welcoming space for all. People are invited to participate actively or passively, or just listen. Event is from 6:30 to 8 pm at Commonplace Coffee at Mexican War Streets, located at 1501 Buena Vista St. For more information, click here.

We the People Pittsburgh Community Town Hall & 2019 Call to Action Training

Join We The People – PA, Pittsburgh United, OnePA, the Pennsylvania Budget & Policy Center, PA Statewide Indivisible and other activists and advocates in and around Pittsburgh to learn about the current state of Harrisburg, key issues to make movement on in 2019 (and beyond), and lock in plans and dates for talking to legislators, days of action, advocacy calls, and letters. Light fare will be provided, including vegetarian options. More information here.

IGLOO Thursdays at House of Savvy

The New Reggae Night each and every Thursday called IGLOO Thursdays. Hosted by ONE CHOP. Kenny G. and DJ Gritty spinning. Admission is $10 from 11 p.m. til 5 a.m. House of Savvy is located at 2600 Perrysville Ave., 15214. More information available on the Pittsburgh Reggae Scene Facebook page.

Friday, Feb. 1

Beyond Borders: An Evening of Immigrant Fiction at City of Asylum @ Alphabet City

An evening with four of the most exciting voices of contemporary fiction—PEN America Dau Short Story Prize-winner Crystal Hana Kim, 2018 Kirkus Prize finalist Naima Coster, One Moore Book founder Wayétu Moore, and Katherine Anne Porter Prize-winner Shobha Rao. Each writer will read from her own book, together sharing a spectrum of reflections on the experience of immigration and migration. These readings will be followed by a panel conversation on the timely topic of immigrant fiction in America, moderated by writers Angie Cruz, Irina Reyn and Cristina García. For a free ticket, go to the City of Asylum website.

Riverview Church Fish Fry

On the first Friday of each month, the Riverview Church will hold a fish fry dinner offering a variety of your favorite foods – haluski, fresh cut french fries, cole slaw, hush puppies, hand-breaded fish and more. They will be open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and serving both lunch and dinner, so stop by to visit with friends and neighbors and share a tasty meal. Riverview Church is located at 3505 Perrysville Ave., 15214.

Saturday, Feb. 2

George Martin’s 91st Birthday Celebration at Allegheny Elks Lodge #339

Celebrate George Martin‘s Birthday as the region’s oldest regularly scheduled bartender serves 91 drinks on his 91st Birthday! George Martin is the regular weekend bartender at the Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 where he has been a member for more than 60 years. George is still going strong as he reaches his 91st birthday and is looking to celebrate by serving 91 drinks on his birthday, February 2. This event, sponsored by the Northside Leadership Conference, is open to the public. All are invited to visit the Lodge and buy a drink from George. There will be a rousing rendition (or two or three) of God Bless America, led by George himself. There will also be some surprise celebrity guests, entertainment, and light refreshment. More information available via Facebook.

Pro Bike + Run Saturday Run at Allegheny City Brewing with Revival Chili

Join Pro Bike + Run and the PBRRC for their weekly long run. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m. and run departs promptly at 8 a.m. Running course will explore the streets of the Northside and Downtown before returning to ACB for great post run refreshments and food from the Revival Chili Truck. Newcomers are always welcome and there is never a fee to join. More information here.

Representative Jake Wheatley’s Mobile Pop-Up Office Hours

On Saturday, February 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Woods Run Carnegie Library, 1201 Woods Run Ave., 15212, The People’s Office will be resuming opportunities for constituents of Pennsylvania Representative Jake Wheatley in District 19 to meet with Ambassadors at various Carnegie Library locations! Ambassadors can assist with State government documents or can help with local resources.

Sunday, Feb. 3

Straw Forward Sculpture Exhibition at the Carnegie Science Center

The Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant program’s much anticipated Straw Forward™ Art Installation is now on display in Carnegie Science Center’s RiverView Cafe through Friday, Feb. 15. It demonstrates a community-wide collaborative effort to accelerate an important message about the global issue of plastic pollution—from a local perspective. The installation is comprised of more than 25,000 plastic straws collected from 37 Pittsburgh-based restaurants, nonprofits, and businesses between June and October of last year. For more information, including ticket prices and museum hours, visit the Carnegie Science Center website.

Alton Merrell Gospel Jazz Ensemble at Alphabet City

Enjoy an evening of gospel jazz with Dr. Alton Merrell & Impact, the nation’s premier gospel jazz ensemble, at Alphabet City. This dynamic and inspirational instrumental and vocal ensemble, led by award-winning Pittsburgh-based pianist, Dr. Alton Merrell, will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. Click here to reserve your free ticket.

Have an event you’d like us to feature online in the Northside Happenings? Every week on our website, we announce free or almost-free events happening in the Northside on Thursdays through Sundays. Email a paragraph detailing the name of the event, location, specifics and a website or contact information to editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com. Deadline is 4 p.m. on the Wednesday before the weekend.